Techniques for paper finishing with laser engraving and cutting machines

For deep engraving, you will need relatively more power output during engraving. Assign the first engraving color for this, in our case black. In the parameter database, assign the appropriate parameters for the color black. Use a higher power output and a lower speed for deep engraving compared to customary engraving to achieve depth.

For an elegant effect, you can bleach out the uppermost layer or the surface of some types of paper. Bleaching out involves engraving in a way so that little or no material is removed. Assign the next color for the surfaces you want to create. We used red for our project. For the engraving parameters, use lower power and a faster speed than you would normally use for engraving on paper.

The scratching technique can be used for filigree and very fine markings. For this, assign a hairline using a different color (we used blue) as a contour to the object. In the parameter settings, select cutting as process and use a lower power output compared to the customary paper cut.

The engraving line technique is similar to scratching, but with a different thickness. This is defined by the parameter setting. Assign a hairline to the object again. (We used desert blue.) In the parameter settings, choose a Z-offset of about 2-5 mm for the cutting process, depending on the desired thickness of the line. The power output should be similar to the scratching line.

Parts of the card can also be separated with a perforation, which is a discontinuous cutting line. To create this, draw a cutting line (we used cyan) and convert it into a curve. Then select a a dashed line for the line style. Use the same parameter settings as with the filigree cut.

You can also cut in particular filigree writing, figure or ornament with the laser by drawing an arbitrary form with a hairline as contour for this (we used cyan for this). For you parameter settings, use a lower speed and power output than with the outer cut.

When cutting the card out you can use a separating cut if there are no elaborate curves in the design. Assign a hairline for this (see ours in green). Depending on the length of the straights to be cut, you can use up to 5% speed. Adapt the output power accordingly.

Send the job to the laser with the following settings. Make sure to use color when screening so that all objects are processed.

We used a Speedy 360 with 80 Watt and a 1.5" lens.

Print settings

Process type	Resolution	Cutting line
Standard	500dpi	none

Screening	Others
Color	Optimized geometries, internal geometries first

Next assign your parameter settings. The parameters will deviate depending on the paper you use, as well as your laser and the available laser power output.

Tip: Try using a different paper. You can test the settings on a small area which is not needed later. Use our gray scale matrix for this.

Laser parameters

Laser parameter	Color	Process	Power (%)	Speed (%)
Deep engraving	Black	CO2 engraving	36	30
Light engraving	Red	CO2 engraving	19	40
Scratching	Blue	CO2 cutting	2.8	0.6
Engraving line	Desert blue	CO2 cutting	5	1
Filigree cut/perforation	Cyan	CO2 cutting	8	0,5
Outer cut	Green	CO2 cutting	20	2

ppi/Hz	Passes	Air Assist	Z-Offset	Advanced
500	1	on	-	optimized quality
500	1	on	-	optimized quality
1000	1	on	-	-
1000	1	on	+4mm	-
1000	1	on	-	-
1000	1	on	-	-

You can of course use all these techniques which we have presented to you here with other types of paper.

For an individual touch, you can also add photo engraving. In the JobControl® print settings use the process option “Photo” and the halftone "Ordered Dithering” for this.

Caution: No other engraving techniques, such as light engraving or deep engraving, can be combined in with photo engraving or the halftone "Ordered Dithering". The colors used for this would be screened, thus converted into gray scale. However, these settings do not have an effect on the colors of the cutting lines. If you still would wish to accommodate all techniques in the card, send the image separately and work with markers for exact placement.